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Rank: Zealot
Joined: 3/24/2008
Posts: 1,317
Location: Calgary, Alberta, CANADA
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I can sand to wait, heck, I still have no one to play with up here.
But I think John's point is one of the most important. I can get 10 modular figs from GW for $25 Canadian, but Alkem is 2-3 figs for the same price. It's kind of an uphill battle competeing agains that.
ou don't need to convince me, but that is one of the reasons I can't seem to get a lo of local interest.
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Rank: Publisher/Designer/Manufacturer
Joined: 3/18/2008
Posts: 56
Location: France
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Breten wrote:
But I think John's point is one of the most important. I can get 10 modular figs from GW for $25 Canadian, but Alkem is 2-3 figs for the same price. It's kind of an uphill battle competeing agains that.
And unfortunatelly there is nothing we can do to compete with that. Games Workshop is a leader. They produce several thousand of each of their boxes gaining the benefit of making huge savings on production costs. In addition, they produce their miniatures by themselves where we have to produce by someone else. We know that. We know that players tend to stick on their good old game they are sure to find some opponent to play with. We know that players are often reluctant to start a new game, not because it is expensive (even if it is great matter) but mostly because they are afraid that this game won't live enough to let them get really involved into (and the Rackham experience tends to prove that) Today we try to propose the best material possible : fine minis, great plastic for the game, easy to assemble ans almost ready to play. We try to developp the community by supporting the organized play (doobloons !) As the price matters to us, we try to do our best to keep them the lowest possible for us and for you of course. We keep listening to your feedbacks, comments as often as we can (I wouldn't be here if not  ) We want to show you that we are all concerned by all these aspects of our market and community. I think today, this is the real strenght of Kraken. Being dynamic, listening and gaming along with you ! (Well I hope so )
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Rank: Zealot
Joined: 11/15/2007
Posts: 995
Location: Cincinnati
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I don't think (at least on this board) that anyone expects Alkemy to have the same economy of scale that GW can put in place. We know that is not reasonable (at this time :D ).
But I believe that the big issue is that the consumer must perceive "value" in the product segment from Kraken.
We (TTG) also appreciate how hard it is to break into a market today. Rackham's actions really hurt a lot of smaller players looking to become larger players in the market. I can't imagine the burden that has placed on your team trying to get a foot hold in the market.
From distributors, to LGS, to players I'm sure all you hear is.... but Rackham... but Rackham...but Rackham.
The task is worthy of Sisyphus.
We are cheering you on to succeed.
Selling for Gen Con: Goal $2000 Earned: $570
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Rank: Artist
Joined: 8/21/2007
Posts: 503
Location: St. Louis, MO
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nicely stated and very true.
www.doughamilton3d.com
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Rank: Zealot
Joined: 3/24/2008
Posts: 1,317
Location: Calgary, Alberta, CANADA
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Yeah, I'm not trying to bash on ou guys at all. I knw exactly what you mean Joss as my budy and I are doing the same thing with his game. He can only cast so much up, and we're relying on fiends to get the actual work done. Our hope was for things to b done by now, bu that's not the case.
I love Alkemy, Doug knows that too, and I want nothing more than for you guys to succeed.
I was just statin what troubles I have trying to get the game going locally. People seem interested, but Canada is pretty much GW country, and Calgary in particular. I get my friends into some games, but like John said, Rackham has kind of screwed the market for a lot of people. Even all my old Rackham players are difficult to get into anything at this point. But I'm trying.
Thankfully you guys are available through Alliance, so while I can get the stuff into the store, it's all special order. The LGS are hesitant to buy into yet another miniatures game, but that's more to do with the owner than anything you guys can do.
Luckily my Aurlok stater finaly came into the store, so with any luck I'll be able to start running some demos. Still need to paint my Avalonians up, as the girlfriend has finished her Triad already.
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Rank: Publisher/Designer/Manufacturer
Joined: 3/18/2008
Posts: 56
Location: France
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What can I add to this ? It's well stated. It is really supporting for us to see that even if the game did not make its place for now, we can count on much enthousiastic people. And for me it is really important right now (on one hand I can't live from selling Alkemy but on the other hand our growing community is kicking ass ! ) Thanks boys ! It really warms my heart (I know I sound like Miss Universe but what can I say... I am sensitive man  )
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Rank: Artist
Joined: 8/21/2007
Posts: 503
Location: St. Louis, MO
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Caherwain wrote:What can I add to this ? It's well stated. It is really supporting for us to see that even if the game did not make its place for now, we can count on much enthousiastic people. And for me it is really important right now (on one hand I can't live from selling Alkemy but on the other hand our growing community is kicking ass ! ) Thanks boys ! It really warms my heart (I know I sound like Miss Universe but what can I say... I am sensitive man ) of course you are sensitive! you are French! Viva La France! ;) :d/
www.doughamilton3d.com
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Rank: Advanced Member
Joined: 2/9/2009
Posts: 83
Location: Milwaukee, WI
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Hey all. I have never played this game yet, but I would like to relate why I don't mind the high price of some of the models, and why I don't mind a bit of time between releases.
I just got my first starter (Aurlok) and a pack of Rain Hunters. Initially, I only ordered these models because I thought they were beautiful and I wanted to paint them. I was a bit wary of the price of the models, especially those individully packed, so I put off ordering anymore until I could check them out.
I am quite pleased with the whole thing: the presentation of the package, how the pieces are laid out in the package, the model material, the detail of the models, the ease in which they are assembled and lastly, the game rules. I love it all.
I feel like I've bought a little piece of art. The game seems to run (and I say this without ever have even seen it played) in a character and story driven manner. Further, the models are freaking brilliant. For all of this, I will gladly pay a little more than I would for the rather impersonal models I've seen from alot of bigger companies.
As far as a slower release schedule, I welcome it. I support more than one game, so it is fine that the goodies come in a little slower. In fact, I have recently gone on a hiatus from a certain big game, precisely because I feel they put out too many models, too fast, and have ended up with a huge, soon-to-be-errata list. It is imporatant, to me, that designers take time with a model's rules to make sure it plays out the way they intended. Not much makes me feel like a kid at X-mas anymore, so if I get a little prolonged excitement waiting for a model, I'm cool with that.
Sorry for the longwinded post, but this is the first I have discussed this game since actually holding it in my hands. I have already ordered the rest of the Aurlok faction and all the models from the Jade Empire (I'll be getting other factions too) and I'll probably be pushing Alkemy at my LGS this weekend (gotta drum up some opponents!). I guess you can count me in for the long haul, even if it is a little slower and costs a bit more to ride.
Edit to add one bit of criticism: I think this game is too new to yet offer LE pieces. At this point in the game's life, it could cause balance issues, if during competitive play, only a handful of players were able to field certain models. I admit, part of why I write this is because, as a completionist: Dammit--I want those models!!
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Rank: Artist
Joined: 8/21/2007
Posts: 503
Location: St. Louis, MO
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very nice post Repeter, If you check out the Galleon program on the Kraken-Editions website you will find an easy way to get those LEs you speak of. By running events and promoting the game you earn points which can be spent in the online store. The application process is pretty short and only requires 2 painted starter boxes (more details on how to get a discount on a starter also). We are just starting our gencon planning for this year, but last year at the booth we had the lead designer of the game (Joss), the sculptor (Alan), and the painter (Jereme). I know Joss plans a return for this gencon and i would be surprised to not see the others (i did forget our favorite french trader, Gregoire, was at GC last year too). If you have any questions feel free to post here or email me (doug at kraken-editions.com). Thanks, Doug
www.doughamilton3d.com
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Rank: Junior Gamer
Joined: 4/15/2008
Posts: 305
Location: Chicago, IL
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Good to see another familiar face getting into this game. *waves @ Repeater* Welcome bud.
And this time we both picked the same faction!
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Rank: Store Owner
Joined: 12/6/2007
Posts: 195
Location: Chicago
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The long wait between releases - regardless of the cost - is most certainly causing problems, from what I can see at least.
The customers who were excited about the game coming home from GenCon lost interest paying the same old game again and again with the same figures. Now that releases are even more scattered than before I think it will be hard to get gamers excited about the game since they don't see new things happening on the store level at all.
Perhaps putting out a release for one (or two) factions during a month or two sooner, waiting a month and putting out another factions releases, waiting a month... etc.
If there are releases, folks think the game is doing something. Right now with half a year between releases it's hard to convince people that the game is still active.
That, as a retailer, would be my concern. Instead of waiting for a big releases, slowly put out what is available and keep interest up. That would be my plan. Yes, players for the faction that gets the last release of that wave will be unhappy, but then you make that the first release in the next wave. Can't complain much then. And it would help establish the fact the company is doing new things...
27 Years - a retailer, game designer, painter, modeler and event organizer. I need to find a job that actually pays...
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Rank: Artist
Joined: 8/21/2007
Posts: 503
Location: St. Louis, MO
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just a note that the release schedule has been updated on the main kraken site. no dates posted but a lot more options with each set of releases.
www.doughamilton3d.com
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Rank: Advanced Member
Joined: 2/9/2009
Posts: 83
Location: Milwaukee, WI
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WEiRD sKeTCH wrote:Good to see another familiar face getting into this game. *waves @ Repeater* Welcome bud.
And this time we both picked the same faction! Hey Sketch. Glad to 'see' you. Man, I think I'm going to have to start coming down to Chi-town more. I've been getting into a couple newer games (Alkemy, Uncharted Seas, Pulp City, maybe even Helldorado) but all everyone up here wants to play is Hordesmachine. Good game, but c'mon, there are other fishes in the sea.
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Rank: Advanced Member
Joined: 8/22/2007
Posts: 52
Location: Alexandria, VA
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necromancer120 wrote:just a note that the release schedule has been updated on the main kraken site. no dates posted but a lot more options with each set of releases. Mm, Walosi-specific minis. That's awesome. So will it be "Walosi-blessed" crow/wolf/auroch guys to go with your existing toad warriors/hive throwers? Will they get additional bonuses (a la chaos in WHFB - sorry for the lame comparison)?
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Rank: Artist
Joined: 8/21/2007
Posts: 503
Location: St. Louis, MO
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looks like they are all kermits. even an inner circle kermit!
www.doughamilton3d.com
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Rank: Advanced Member
Joined: 8/23/2008
Posts: 59
Location: Silver Spring, MD
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With this number of releases, they REALLY need to go to a monthly schedule - even if only 2 factions come out per month. A nice constant flow of goodies would be a huge boon in promoting this game.
Aaron
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Rank: Zealot
Joined: 12/11/2007
Posts: 483
Location: Union, MO
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necromancer120 wrote:looks like they are all kermits. even an inner circle kermit! Ribbit!
FUMBBL : MEdwards
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Rank: Gaming Incarnate
Joined: 8/14/2007
Posts: 2,651
Location: The TTG Ziggurat (Cincinnati, Oh)
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damn! Mo' frogs? At least some people will be happy. The Toad Shaman was super popular with the demos at TempleCon!
Administrator, Gaming Addict, and Forum Monkey! Get Your Game On!Razing Kain
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Rank: Zealot
Joined: 3/24/2008
Posts: 1,317
Location: Calgary, Alberta, CANADA
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The frog-men are definately up my alley. Finally picked up my Aurlok starter, so I'm going to try and get that built this week and painted by the end of next week. Then I can get my Galleon app in and start running some demos.
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Rank: Publisher/Designer/Manufacturer
Joined: 11/28/2007
Posts: 107
Location: Montreal, QC
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I, for one, am looking forward to more temple releases, as it won't hurt, since otherwise maxing out Templar troops only goes up to 195 AP...
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